I think they are all independantly owned, but I have a membership for the one in my neighborhood. Check the website, the cost is a bit more than what they claim it to be. Go the little extra and get the black tag membership, its worth it in discounts. What I don't like: No scales (really? its a gym!), there are no classes. Personal training is a joke. They offer 3 different group sessions, basic, upper and lower. They don't teach you how to use the weights or the chin/dip machine. They claim they are open 24 hours, but thats only for 5 days a week. Mine closes Friday, saturday and sunday nights. To me, thats prime workout time.

God made man before women because you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece (stolen from Coach's journal).

I went with a friend who had a membership, maybe 6 times. The equipment was good, treadmills and ellipticals were all good brands too. It was up to members to wipe down machines and they offered no classes. I'm sure they offer different amenities so probably best to check the website since its a franchise.

I didn't see this forum until today, and I also have a Planet Fitness membership, and I LOVE IT! I suppose it is because they are independent there seems to be some differences. We have a scale in the Ladies Locker/Bathroom Room. And a fantastic personal trainer on staff! Not only did he show me the ropes on the machines, etc... but in the beginning he sat w/ me, discussed my goals, gave me great info, tips, and a started workout plan. Then as time went on, he was offered for FREE to work w/ any clients that wanted a free trainer session! So, I took advantage of that... and built on what we originally started, and got to where I am now.

The hours are great, the selection of workout equipment is perfect for what I am looking for. Sure, they don't have classes, but I didn't go there looking for those. They don't have a pool, or other fancy gym stuff, but didn't go there for that either. And I only got the $10 a month membership - and it's worked out great for me. It's there when I need it, and when I can use it... but when I don't get over there, I don't feel guilty about the $40-$80 other gyms in my area charge!!!

Good Luck in your decision. I think it greatly depends on what you are looking for in a gym to begin with. Hope you find what's right for you!

It seems like a good starting gym to me maybe, but let me just say that if you want to lift weights, it sucks. The Planet Fitness where I live has a certain reputation lol.. Some of my friends who go to the gym call it Planet Fatness because it clearly caters to people who do alot of cardio and very little weight training which is very important to fitness. There's no weights over 8 pounds, LOL! And there's a weird alarm that sounds when someone vibrates the floor too much [actually works out].. They also have some very strange practices such as selling candy, sodas, and serving pizza and donuts every month lol! Nice equipment and cute colors though :] It's up to us to focus on the workout and lose weight, regardless of the gym we choose.

Sabi - I can't speak for the PF in your area... but I belong to the one local to me...and there are a LOT of people who work out both cardio and weight training. The info above is not accurate to my location AT ALL!

And the only time the 'lunk' alarm goes off, is when the staff pushes the button to make it go off.

It's for when an old school body builder drops the bar or weights to the ground, or makes loud distracting grunts while lifting... (which no one does anymore). Actually been there for two years now, and only heard the alarm maybe twice.

And as for the food, our management team used to do a once a month pizza night, and a once a month Bagel/creamcheese morning. The folks belonging to the gym asked them to put up a sign up sheet - to determine how many people appreciated the gesture - vs. - how many found it a distraction to their goals... based on that the management stopped the food days, and instead once a month randomly throw out T-shirts to customers as they are leaving. (as a thank you for their patronage.)

The one I belong to has a full compliment of weights and several stations to lift at. No one on staff will show you how to correctly use them.For some reason, I don't need the extra skin cancer with my gym membership, so the tanning doesn't appeal to me. The gym I just signed up for has tanning as well, but its $3 a session. Like I said, I don't tan...heck I have to be real careful just going outside. I have the kind of complexion where I glow in the dark.

God made man before women because you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece (stolen from Coach's journal).

fantome: Yeah yours sounds pretty well managed.. ours is still new and it isn't, lol. It got the nickname Planet Fatness for a reason here! The 8 pound weights comment is true unfortunately, as well as some weightlifting moves being against the rules for some reason. lol, grunting is VERY common in gyms from what I've seen.. I don't know why it's a problem, I kinda like it.. makes it sound like a gym LOL.

I am a member at the Elmwood Park Planet Fitness in the Chicago area. I have been going there for about 4 months. Very clean and very friendly. They do have very little in the form of free weights, but do have a large assortment of weight machines. I have been focusing on cardio since joining.

It's a bare bones gym (former employee/current member). If you are looking for a gym with a pool or a sauna/steam room, this is not it. Most PF's have a 30 min workout station, a lot of cardio machines, circuit training machines, and a weights section. They all have lockers, and they all have showers. Most are clean, staff is nice, and yes, they have pizza and bagels once a month (and tootsie rolls everyday). They also have free group training sessions (one hour each, and I believe every member gets 4 free sessions at least at my PF) and they are run by a certified trainer.

Thanks, jlbenitz - Since I restarted Monday I have been expanding my eating and not just limiting it to the MIMs. It was a good way for me to start though. They fill me up and I don't want the other ...